This wine forms part of Clarendon Hills’ ‘Grand Cru’ classification. Earthy, savoury fruited and controlled. It has a deep layering of Kalamata, cigars, espresso and black truffle - within a defined blue-fruited spectrum. It also offers a sublime creaminess along an evolving expression. Perfume with a waxy, rounded component typecasts this vineyard. The aroma elevation in the glass is distinctly lower than its Grand Cru siblings. Recessed intensity and mid-palate positioning makes for a beautifully centered focus and it forms an axis of length and weight. The Brookman Syrah is for those who enjoy subtlety and softness. This vineyard’s best years are displayed after cellaring for 5-10 and thereafter for 15-20.

Rating

Wine Spectator 92 points (Apr 30 2005) Firm, with racy blackberry, spice and something like lime lingering in the background, finishing with refinement. Drink now through 2010. 800 cases made. –HS  Wine Advocate 97 points (Oct 2005) The 2003 Syrah Brookman Vineyard possesses great intensity, layers of flavor, exceptionally pure creme de cassis fruit, and hints of black truffles as well as charcoal. This full-bodied, fruit-driven, fabulously well-endowed Syrah should drink well for 12-16 years.

Other text

This vineyard was planted in 1965 in rich, chocolate-brown clay soils. It produces cabernet, merlot and syrah varieties which all exhibit sweet, chocolate, earthy characteristics.